Keep the Lamps Burning
“Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning.” Exodus 27 v 20.
The priest’s task was to keep the lamps burning – requiring somebody to stay awake through the night to make sure this happened. To aid them with this task, the rest of the Israelites had to make sure they were kept supplied with the necessary oil.
It reminds me of the parable of the 10 virgins. In the parable, the virgins all slumbered and slept. Their lamps went out. The saving factor for five of those virgins was that they had extra oil on hand, so they at least they had hope of getting their lamps reignited.
It is important for us to keep our lamps burning – to be a light for the world around us, to let our light shine so that others can see Jesus through us. It is equally important to keep up with our ‘oil’ supply so that our light can stay burning.
I have to admit that sometimes my oil supply is running a bit dry. I haven’t spent sufficient time in the Word, or with the Lord in prayer to keep my oil supply renewed. I haven’t had sufficient rest or quiet time, so my oil is murky and sluggish. I get too busy or distracted so that I let my oil supply run low.
May I encourage you to nurture your oil supply this week. What do you need to help yourself in this way? More time in God’s Word? Quiet time with God? Rest? Unplugged and unhurried moments? Encouragement and motivation?
Let’s do whatever it is that helps keep our oil supplied so that our lamps can keep burning through the night time of this world. While we’re at it, let’s also remember how the Israelites helped keep the priests supplied with oil, and help and encourage others with their oil maintenance.
God bless your week,
Love Sharon.
ThinkyThings 